Should you visit Mexico City? | 15 thoughts as an American in CDMX.

Mexico City, the oldest capital in North and South America, has a population of over 21 million people making it one of the largest cities in the world. For 35 days, I increased that number by 1. Today, I want to share my thoughts about Mexico City after living there for a little over a month. We'll talk about the city, the food, the people & culture, and whether or not I think you should visit Mexico City.

MISC. DETAILS
Music: Provided by Epidemic Sound
Filmed on: Sony a6400 w/ Sigma 30 mm F1.4 for Aroll, 18-105mm F4 for Broll,
Edited in: Premiere Pro #MexicoCity #CDMX

Affiliate Disclosure:

Mexico city impressions
Mexico City travel guide

[nycbearff]

About speaking Spanish - if you use "por favor" (please) and "gracias" (thanks) whenever you ask something or someone does something for you, you will be treated better - you're proving you're a civilized person. If you begin any encounter with "Buenos Dias" (good day) before noon, "Buenas tardes" (good afternoon) between noon and sundown, and "Buenas noches" (good evening) after sundown, you will be starting the encounter politely, and that will smooth whatever else comes next. If it is in a fast moving, crowded fast food place, at least say "Buenas, " and then what you want.

If you're a visitor, it pays to be as polite or more polite than the local people, not less.

And replace "quiero", "I want", with "quisiera", "I would like". "I want" is stronger in Spanish than it is in English, it sounds much more demanding. You will be treated better, and remembered more kindly, if you use "I would like", "quisiera" - kee-see-era. That one change will get you much better treatment in markets and restaurants and ordinary life. It's treating people in shops with respect, rather than ordering them around.

[christopherbranski]

In terms of safety, I felt far more unsafe in St Louis and Milwaukee than I did in Mexico City-the only precaution I really took were keeping my phone and wallet in front pockets on the subway and Metrobus.

Street food? When I get back to Wisconsin I'm really going to miss 55 pesos for tacos and a cold bottle of Coke

[sfllouis]

I have been traveling to Mexico City for 15 years, and never got sick from street food

[eomguel]

So glad you liked our beautiful city! We really appreciate when people come to find out what Mexico is really like beyond all the bad news coverage we get abroad and bring those experiences back to your home countries. You're very welcome to return whenever you please and enjoy our food and culture. I'm pretty sure you tried atole, which goes hand in hand with tamales. Fun fact about tamales dulces: coloring them bright pink is only a thing in Mexico City and surrounding states, elsewhere they're plain corn dough color (Pronunciation tip, dulce is pronounced "dool-seh, " that ch sound is Italian). I happen to love tacos al pastor, although I'm on your side about pineapple, I always order them without. Not that uncommon. Awesome that you tried seafood too (like those hot peppers stuffed with ceviche you mentioned, yum!) and pambazos. For those who prefer veggie options, rajas, nopales, flor de calabaza (pumpkin flowers) and huitlacoche are a must try.

[stephenross]

Like you and others here, when I went to Mexico City, I had the time of my life. That was 5 years ago, and I’m planning on at least 2 visits this year. The food was spectacular and am so glad I took a food tour of el centro. I speak Spanish and have learned that I need more practice but I don’t feel so intimidated. Going on self guided walking tours was fun. 6 years of Spanish meant learning the culture. That made reading a breeze! I had family and friends beg me not to go. I’m so glad I didn’t listen. Now I can show those nervous Nellies my pix—the best souvenirs money can’t buy. I was 59 the first time. Now at 64 I can hardly wait to get there again! Go to Mexico!

[confusedowl]

Can't wait to travel the world! Definitely going to put Mexico City on my list!

[miriammyrsiades]

As a Mexican myself, I love this beautiful and I truly appreciate it ❤️

[JaimeBurciaga]

Maybe the best video about visiting Mexico City I have seen in YouTube among all the travel guides.

[aaok]

When it comes to street food you should always consider 2 major things, 1. Is it popular among the people 2. Who is cooking and who is handling the money. This is what I have been taught and I have definitely seen truth to it.

[jj-bpfr]

I think I bought food from this young man 10:06 I was running late for class, it was raining, & I was so hungry. He sold me champurrado (a hot drink) & cant remember if it was a tamal. You can always count on street vendors, their everywhere & foods delicious.

[Vancouver_Dan]

Great video about one of my favorite destinations! I am with you on the tacos el pastor - it just seems like bacon. For me, the pineapple is the only redeeming aspect.

[alexmartinez]

tacos al pastor are awesome, but you have to go to the “hood” they always have a different flavor compared to a restaurant.

[mercedeschristlieb]

I enjoyed your video very much. I'm so glad you like CDMX, our culture and food.

[OmmHmo]

Ohh man welcome to a great, fun and big city, mexico is amazing!!!

[findingmemo]

I loved Mexico City. You’re right Chapultepec Castle is the only Royal Castle in America. Furthermore, tacos al pastor were not my favorite. In my opinion, tacos de carne asada from Baja California are way better.

[tritosac]

One of the conquistadors who accompanied Hernan Cortes in his conquest of Mexico was Pedro de Alvarado. The Aztec and other indians referred to him as Tonatiuh-their sun god- because of his bright red hair, beard and cold blue eyes. Kind of like you. He was pretty ruthless and responsible for single handedly slaughtering as well as maiming many of the indigenous people who did not give him all the gold he wanted. Just thought I'd share.

[PAXperMortem]

Going there tomorrow, super excited! I hope the city is still as great as you've described it

[azul]

I agree 100% with you, I hope you do one with the ones that you didn’t like
I have to share your video
It’s awesome 👏

[dharmaitri]

Very cool video. Thanks for the kind words Ethan! That's my hometown.

[marianaramirez]

"A Gringo's thoughts?" Is the best, not racist, its just the way we say it Haha loved that xx